Too Cool For School

I am halfway through my next to last semester. Let me just tell you that college is hard enough. Throw in three kids, a husband, a job, extracurricular activities and you're just plain crazy. Guess what, I HAVE to make A's. Now I'll just let you know that this makes me uber crazy! But I've discovered something. I am the only one in my classes who feels like this. And I've taken all ranges of classes- logic, congress, literature, microeconomics, etc. No class if off limits because I just love to learn. This makes me way too cool for school! I am the only one wanting to appease the professors (formerly known as brown nosing but since I am part Mexican I take part offense to this term-hehe-just kidding). I answer all their questions. I join in on all the discussions which is literally a party for two. Me and the professor. To say the least they are daily disappointed by the lack of interest and respect displayed in the classroom. As a mom I just want to tell these kids they need to care. As a peer I try not to be too goody goody (something I've never been able to control). Where is the enthusiasm to learn something new and exciting? It isn't in the college classroom. Today I got back a midterm in my American Literature class and scored a 103.5 (A++). I got my paper back in my Shakespeare class and got a 95. None of my grades have been lower than an A. I'm sure to make the Deans List again. Add in my participation grade and I just make it look too easy. Yet, there are kids making F's on the same projects. One "kid" said, "why do I care about the extra money they want to charge my parents" when reading an article in the school newspaper. I almost turned around and told her to jot that down to look back on in about 20 years but it wouldn't have made a difference. So, I will continue to make my A's and be excited to be educated and hopefully bring that enthusiasm to my children. Hopefully when they're in college they won't be the only ones having conversations with the professors. What a boring atmosphere!

Curse you McDonalds french fries!

Not in any way referencing the massive calories here. Last night was the first night we had McDonalds since Rocky passed away last week. You could not bring the french fries into the house without Rocky following you around or sitting at your feet just staring at you until you gave him a few. Something in those fries excited that old boy like nothing else! So, needless to say, it was a little melancholy last night when I ate my fries with nobody begging for them, nobody trying to steal them, nobody mercilessly eyeing you until you gave in. I don't think McDonalds will ever taste the same to me.

While I'm on the subject of McDonalds and since I brought up calories. I just wanted to add it isn't the french fry that kills you- it's adding that Big Mac and Coke on top of it. I get irritated when people make fun of people who eat their burger and fries with a Diet Coke. Those people are saving at least 200 calories. What is wrong with that? If you're going to eat McDonalds, do you have to be subjected to some rule that says if you're consuming 1200 calories- don't be a hypocrite and add the Coke as well. I applaud those who take the initiative to save a few calories. Heck, they even have iced tea now for those who have issues with fake sugar (totally different topic and one I don't have a strong opinion about). Just skip the mounds of sugar when you get the tea- or suck it up and get the Coke.

9-30-09 Dawn of a new day

So, I just took the kids to school this morning and it was a cool 68 degrees here in Tampa. We almost needed our sweaters. I love Fall. It is my favorite time of the year and my favorite month of the year, October, is only a day away. I thought this felt like a perfect day to start a blog. Not that I have so much interesting stuff to say but because I felt it would be a nice release from the mundane.

My topic is a new day.

Last week our 11 1/2 year old cockerspaniel, Rocky, had to be put down. This was very difficult for my husband and myself. Add on top of that I have to be strong for my three children. I had no idea how they would react. If they would hate me, cry for days, not understand, ask to go to heaven to see him, etc, etc. What surprised me the most is that my kids are more resiliant than me. They actually helped me stop the self-loathing by their love, their kindness and their strength. They already want a new puppy. I don't know if I'm ready- but it is a new day.

I am finishing my degree in professional writing at USF and have classes two days a week. I am taking five classes- which is just crazy! I have three kids and my own record sorting business and I have always liked to take a lot on. I had a little epiphany this morning. Life is not what sustains you but what fulfills you. I could be doing less but I want to be fulfilled. I love to learn and even though five classes is a lot, I picked a major that lets me enjoy my love of reading. I am reading things I have never read before- some I like some I don't. For instance, Shakespeare's "As You Like It" was okay but I really enjoyed "Henry V". That is probably opposite for a lot of people.

Back to the kids. I try to volunteer at their school but since I switched them from Colson Elementary to Yates Elementary I feel the classroom participation for parents (in the younger grades such as Kindergarten) just isn't there. I don't want to push myself into the classroom so I just have to deal with this. I am on the Student Advisory Council but they only meet once a month and to vote on things already decided so I really don't see the benefit of it. It is more of a formality. I am helping with some PTA stuff on Friday where I get to see kids from all the grades. I really enjoy their little personalities and think maybe when I'm finished with my degree next April I might substitute every once in awhile.

Baseball started back this week for the boys. I don't like the fact we are at the park 3-4 nights a week during the school year but it is managealbe since the boys are only in 3rd and 5th grade. I make sure their homework is completed before we go. However, next year when Gareth is in 6th and he gets out of school at 4, has double the homework, and then has to be at the park at 6:30 for baseball practice- well, we'll see how that works.

Just want to wrap up by saying anyone who took the time to read this- I appreciate you. I am a lucky mom of three awesome kids, have a hands on husband who is into the parenting thing as much as me and I have an awesome family all around.